His expression became serious as he explained that his grandmother had suddenly fallen ill, and everything had happened too quickly for him to process.
After her funeral, he received a scholarship opportunity in another city, and he felt that he had no choice but to leave immediately.
He admitted that he did not know how to say goodbye, and he thought that disappearing would make things easier for me.
“It was not easier,” I said quietly, trying to hold back the emotions that were rising again.
He lowered his head and admitted that he knew it must have been difficult, but he often remembered something whenever he hesitated.
“A little girl who promised me she would work hard,” he said, looking at me with sincerity.
My eyes filled with tears as I told him that I had kept my promise, and he confirmed that he had seen my academic records and achievements.
For a moment, I completely forgot that I was there for a job interview, because everything felt too personal and overwhelming.
“So… did I get the job?” I asked, trying to lighten the mood slightly.
A playful expression appeared in his eyes as he said that it depended on one important condition.
“It depends on whether you are willing to work directly with me,” he explained, making my heart beat faster.
He told me that he needed someone in his strategy team whom he could trust completely, and despite the fifteen years that had passed, he believed that I was still that person.
I looked at him and realized that I was not just seeing a successful executive, but also the same young man who once cared for me.
“I agree,” I said without hesitation, feeling certain about my decision.
He extended his hand formally and welcomed me to the company, addressing me as Attorney Avery Blake with a proud smile.
When I shook his hand, the contact felt warm, strong, and strangely familiar, as if the years between us had disappeared in an instant.
A New Beginning
Working with him was not easy, because he was meticulous, demanding, and expected perfection in everything that we did together.
However, he was always fair, and he never allowed personal feelings to interfere with professional responsibilities, which made me respect him even more.
I also maintained the same level of professionalism, and for the first few months, our relationship remained completely focused on work.
We attended meetings, developed strategies, handled important projects, and traveled for business without allowing anything personal to surface.
However, small moments occasionally broke through the strict boundaries we had set, reminding us of the connection we shared.
He would bring me coffee exactly the way I liked it without asking, and after difficult meetings, he would quietly remind me to breathe and trust myself.
One evening, after a successful presentation to major investors, the team decided to celebrate at a restaurant filled with laughter and soft music.
At one point, we found ourselves alone on the terrace, overlooking the city lights that stretched endlessly below us.
“I am proud of you,” he said suddenly, looking at me with genuine admiration.
“Is it because of the project?” I asked, trying to keep things professional.
“It is because of everything,” he replied, making the moment feel more personal than before.
The silence between us felt closer and more meaningful, as if we were both thinking about the same things.
“I keep wondering what would have happened if I had stayed back then,” he admitted, taking a small step closer.
“I could never stop thinking about you either,” I confessed, feeling my heart race again.
He told me that when he saw me during the interview, he did not see just a candidate, but the little girl who believed in him without hesitation.
“I am not that little girl anymore,” I said softly, meeting his gaze.
“No, you are not,” he replied, his voice gentle. “You have become an extraordinary woman.”
